M-DCPS Set to Honor Graduating Class of 2020

For graduating seniors
across the country, COVID-19 (coronavirus) has forced necessary modifications
or cancellation of some annual high school
milestones. Graduation is the most important academic rite of passage for
students who have worked so hard to complete a 12-year education and it is a
meaningful moment for families as well, having supported these efforts through
their academic journey. This is especially true for those students who are the
first in their families to graduate and others who have overcome personal challenges.

“The Class of 2020, like
those who came before them, and those who will follow, deserve every bit of
pomp and circumstance a traditional commencement provides,” said Superintendent
Alberto M. Carvalho. “While we are not able to provide that immediately, we
will do all we can to ensure these graduating seniors feel honored, not only by
their teachers, classmates, and loved ones, but by the entire community.”

In an effort to ensure all
voices were heard during the planning stages of the celebration for the Class
of 2020, Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) staff held virtual meetings with senior
class representatives from every high school to brainstorm and determine the best way to address
commencement, considering the social distancing restrictions that currently
prevent large, in-person gatherings. Based on feedback from those meetings, as
well as input from various stakeholders including community members and
parents, District staff has developed a plan to conduct ceremonies that honor
graduates, while adhering to CDC guidelines and recommendations.

Graduations will take place in a
blended format comprised of a virtual graduation and senior recognition
activities that will occur in late summer or winter. The virtual graduation
ceremonies will be streamed online, and will include students as well as school,
region and District administrators, and Board Members. Parents and guests will
have the opportunity to remotely attend the virtual graduation ceremonies.

The District plans to follow the published
graduation ceremony schedule, from May 26 through June 3. Please note, this
window may be extended based on the finalization of the virtual platform that
will be utilized. Each graduating senior’s picture will be displayed as their
name is called during the virtual ceremonies. All Class of 2020 senior
recognition activities will be planned on a school-site level.

M-DCPS has also developed a
dynamic marketing and media campaign to encourage the entire community to come
together to celebrate graduates, culminating in a district-wide Senior
Recognition Day on May 20.

Students and their families,
M-DCPS employees, community and media partners, and the public- at-large are
encouraged to support the campaign and the culminating day by using social media,
putting together their own recognition opportunities, airing the M-DCPS Senior
Recognition public service announcement, and featuring Class of 2020 graduates in news stories on
air, online, and in print publications.

To assist in this effort,
the District will highlight seniors for the next five weeks, following the
schedule below:

·Week of April 27 – May 1: College and athletic scholarships recipients

·Week of May 4 – 8: Military and first-generation grads or other
outstanding achievements, including exemplary community service

·Week of May 11 – 15: Top 10 percent of graduates and Silver Knight award
nominees

·Monday, May 18 & Tuesday, May 19 – Recognition of all seniors

·Wednesday, May 20 – Community-wide Senior Recognition Day

On May 20, schools will be encouraged to post “Class
of 2020” photos and students will be asked to share videos of special memories
on social media platforms using the following hashtags:

·#MDCPSGrad

·#Classof2020

·#MeetMDCPSGrads

·#SeniorSpotlight

The community is also invited
to express congratulations via social media utilizing these hashtags to collectively
acknowledge the accomplishments of the Class of 2020.

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Mission Statement

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ (M-DCPS) Office of Communications (OOC) is committed to the timely and accurate dissemination of information that highlights the school districts programs, initiatives, and achievements to reinforce awareness among internal and external stakeholders. We pursue this mission through targeted messaging, integrated marketing, social media, and public relations activities that inform and educate parents, students, employees, and all stakeholders of Miami-Dade County Public Schools.